Last year, the Masonic Blood and Organ Donor Club of Pennsylvania (Masonic Blood Donor Club) began a new program to encourage members to get involved in its mission to save lives: "We give that others may live."

With funds accumulated over the last 20 years through voluntary contributions from club members and various supportive blue lodges, the club devised a charitable incentive for various levels of participation in organizing a blood drive. It works like this:

• For every unit of blood collected during a Masonic-sponsored blood drive, the club donates $10 to an IRS approved 501(c)(3) Masonic-affiliated charity. Examples include the Masonic Charities Fund, Masonic Villages, Masonic Children's Home, Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, The Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, Children's Dyslexia Centers, Shriners Hospitals, etc.
• If the drive is held at a Masonic facility, such as a blue lodge, shrine or temple, then the club donates $10 for every Masonic or non-Masonic blood donor.
• If the blood drive is held at a non- Masonic location, the club donates $10 for every unit collected from a Mason.

"This incentive encourages our Masonic bodies not only to collect blood to save lives, but also to invite the public to see what Masons are doing, tour our beautiful facilities and ask, 'How do I become a member?' or 'How does my husband become a member?'" said Bro. Norm Fox, President of the Masonic Blood Donor Club.

The program has already seen success. Last year alone, the club donated approximately $100,000 to various Masonic charities, which equates to 10,000 units of blood collected through drives that were eligible for the incentive. (This does not include blood collected through a drive sponsored by the blood club alone.) According to the American Red Cross, each unit of blood collected helps four patients, which means that more than 40,000 people were helped through the Masonic Blood Donor Club in 2010.

The Masonic Blood Donor Club has approximately 30,100 members, almost 17,000 of which are widows. Every Masonic member who donates blood or has a substitute donate for him, becomes a member of the Masonic Blood Donor Club for life. Should any member, or any of his/her family living under the same roof, have a need, he/she will never have to pay for blood anywhere in the world.

For more information on how to join or to organize a blood drive, visit www.pagrandlodge.org/programs/donor.

In fact, less than 3% of all Pennsylvania Freemasons will even be able to get one. The Masonic wristwatch, crafted to honor a storied timepiece of our past. The classic lines of the stainless steel case, vintage crown, and individually numbered exhibition caseback, displays a modern 17 jewel automatic movement with gold plated Masonic symbols. On an embossed, padded leather strap in a deluxe presentation case, complete with a matching, numbered certificate of authenticity and a full one year warranty. These will sell out quickly. A numbered Limited Edition of only 2,500 pieces! Those who acquire one will own something extraordinary. A timepiece by a Mason, for a Mason... like no other. The Masonic is approved by RWGM Thomas Sturgeon. A portion of each sale will be donated to the PA Masonic Charities. For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, just $299 (which includes priority mail shipping and insurance) Retail price $375 We regret that specific number requests can not be accepted. Each watch is hand-built by skilled craftsmen. Please allow up to 6-8 weeks for delivery. Numbers assigned based on order date. Order today for lowest numbers. Please send your check or money order, payable to: BARCLAY Watch Co. P.O. Box 353 North Apollo, PA 15673 or online at http://www.barclaywatch.com